Bell gives England hope

Ian Bell hit a defiant half-century today to frustrate Australia's hopes of wrapping up a convincing third Test triumph to regain the Ashes.

The Warwickshire batsman continued his improved form against Australia by hitting his third half-century on the fourth morning as England survived the first session without losing a wicket.

Resuming 537 runs adrift on 19 for one at the WACA, England were expecting to withstand a tough Australian push for victory to complete a series victory in only 14 days cricket, but Bell and opener Alastair Cook successfully withstood Australia's best efforts and progressed to a comfortable 99 for one at lunch as they sought to chase such a massive victory target in the last innings of a Test.

West Indies' 418 for seven recorded against Australia at Antigua three years ago is the current record.

England's first mission this morning was to survive the early spells from fast bowler Brett Lee and veteran seamer Glenn McGrath, which the pair did without any great alarms as neither the pace of Lee or the guile of McGrath could find an early breakthrough with Cook and Bell looking to play positively as England chased their history-making victory target.

Cook and Bell both seized on loose early deliveries to notch early boundaries and it took a double bowling change by Australian captain Ricky Ponting to start causing the England batsmen a few headaches.

Stuart Clark, Australia's best bowler in the series, was delayed until the 12th over of the morning before he replaced McGrath and straight away caused Bell to play a false shot which was edged short of the slip cordon.

Warne looked equally threatening in the next over and beat Bell with a fiercely-turning leg-break but it did not prevent the Warwickshire batsman twice hitting him over the top for a four and then a six to bring up the 50 partnership.

Bell brought up his half-century in equally impressive style, once again hitting him over the top for six and then reaching to drive the next ball through the covers for his fifth four to reach the milestone.

By lunch the pair were one run away from a century-stand with Bell unbeaten on 54, while opener Cook had progressed to 37 to leave England trailing by 457 runs.